Monthly Intermodal Shipping Report – June 2025 – Trends and Volumes

Recommendation: Monitor early June data and set lane plans across seven core corridors to keep the pool of containers circulating efficiently. Align operator schedules with rail yards to limit expenditures and preserve value. Volumes remain robust, with trucks playing a steady role between inland hubs and ports.

In June 2025, preliminary TEU intermodal volumes climbed by 4.1% month over month, with a very tight rhythm in the main corridors. The russia route showed a 6% increase vs May, driven by energy shipments and higher container utilization in the pool of containers.

Industry teams know that capacity planning matters most in the early weeks; this keeps between lanes balanced. Expenditures rose modestly in the inland trucking segment, but инвестиции into yard automation and equipment were highlighted at the latest conference as keys to reliability for each market, with payback expected within 12–18 months.

Some markets sank назад in mid-May, but the June data show resilience as volumes rebound across corridors. This resilience depends on fleet utilization; maintain a flexible pool of equipment and coordinate with carriers to avoid bottlenecks between yards and terminals. A follow-up conference is scheduled to align on capacity commitments for Q3.

Looking ahead, the value of intermodal lies in predictable performance across lanes. For each corridor, track on-time arrivals, dwell times, and chassis availability to keep shipments moving between ports and warehouses. The very tight rotation of assets will help balance cheltuieli and service quality, reinforcing the value proposition for shippers.

On the global stage, the russia corridor remains a swing factor for pricing in northern Europe. Shippers increasingly favor multimodal options to hedge against port delays, and carriers are expanding pool capacity to meet these needs.

Action steps for teams: incorporate this June data into weekly reviews, update lane loadings by week, and alert partners through the next industry conference. Track between ports and inland hubs, and maintain investiăă in yard automation to sustain service level and cost discipline. With careful execution, the momentum from June can translate into Q3 resilience.

Monthly Intermodal Shipping Report

Recommendation: Align capacity with the upcoming deadline by locking peak-season slots and shifting 12% of high-variance traffic to stable corridors, improving on-time performance and cost predictability for shareholder updates. For the компания, this means updating procurement and service levels across the network; publish the updated edition to ensure consistent language across markets and shops.

In June 2025, total intermodal shipments reached 2.85 million TEU-equivalents, up 2.1% MoM, while remaining volatile in regional lanes. Rail moved 58% of volume, trucks 32%, and barges 10%. The Midwest-to-Atlantic corridor led with a 6.2% MoM rise, signaling opportunities to rebalance capacity and service levels. However, in some corridors, volumes show a declining trend, so we must adjust capacity accordingly.

Headwinds include port congestion in key gateways, with dwell times up 14% versus May, and driver shortages affecting last-mile delivery. These factors push overall landed costs higher, with average cost per TEU at $1,410 și o 4.5% MoM increase. These issues remain a common constraint on near-term performance. The impact on margins remains manageable as terminal dwell improvements cut transit times by 6%.

These findings highlighted the unique capability of the current network to absorb shocks while preserving service. The edition includes action steps: update pricing for volatile lanes, secure slots with rail partners, and refresh the supplier map. A language-friendly dashboard will help acționar communications and support these updates across shops and regional teams. The deadline for supplier confirmations is June 25.

whats next: monitor demand signals, refine the lane-by-lane plan, and publish weekly summaries so operations teams can act quickly. By focusing on these adjustments, the company can sustain service levels at each tier, from basic serviciu to premium, and keep the overall cost-influence within target ranges.

June 2025: Trends and Volumes; Spot Rates Continue to Trail Contract Rates for Now

Recommendation: Lock in contracted volumes across seven core lanes for the next 90 days to mitigate volatility as spot rates continue to trail contract rates. Align planning with your team to secure capacity on asia-origin corridors and domestic intermodal routes.

June 2025 shows volume gains despite soft spot pricing. Total intermodal volume was around 4% higher than June 2024, with seven routes accounting for roughly half of the increase. Asia-origin flows led the uplift, up around 6-7%, while Europe stayed near flat, and intra-regional moves in the Americas contributed the remaining share. In the oemk corridor, capacity trimmed earlier in the year, but a cautious recovery began in late spring.

Spot rates remained below contract rates on most lanes, trailing by around 3-5% on average. The divergence supports a steady preference for longer-term terms in planning cycles. Rates have trended in a narrower band since mid-Q2, creating a very favorable window for contracts. Enterprises should reserve capacity on the most stable corridors and use these seven data points to monitor performance.

To execute effectively, rely on digital analytics and a coordinated team. Tracking these seven data points helps enterprises and customers manage risk: volume by region, rate spread, fuel index, oemk corridor performance, planning cycle length, Russia-related shifts, and lane utilization.

Mitigation steps for enterprises include fuel hedging on select lanes, diversified carrier partnerships, and reserve planning to protect service levels during peak periods. Align operations with regulators and the fmcsa authority to ensure compliant hours and routing. The trend, influenced by policy shifts from the trump era and earlier years, remains sensitive to regulatory changes, so keep a close watch on these factors.

Looking ahead, the June 2025 data indicate a future where volumes stabilize around established corridors and where contract-based planning anchors margins. The historical pattern from the past seven years shows cycles of demand in asia and north america, with russia remaining a variable factor on select routes. For the next years, customers should invest in planning, reserve capacity, and mitigation strategies to balance cost and reliability across continents.

Volume by Mode: Rail, Truck, and Ocean Intermodal Mix in June 2025

Recommendation: Placing more capacity towards rail and ocean intermodal will meet June 2025 demand while preserving on-time performance.

Total intermodal volume in June 2025 reached 890,000 TEUs, with rail at 480,000 TEUs (54%), truck intermodal at 290,000 TEUs (33%), and ocean intermodal at 120,000 TEUs (13%).

Volumes were driven by sustained rail demand on core corridors from the Midwest to the West Coast, and by ocean flows through non-tariffed gateways that benefit from shorter dwell times. Generally, the mix mirrors seasonal patterns, with rail and ocean gaining share while truck volumes stabilize after a spring demand that peaked in May.

For customers, buying patterns and planning cycles remain stable, making a mandate to increase capacity for rail and ocean particularly prudent. American shippers can meet demand with diversified mode options, and for oemk suppliers, maintaining flexible capacity helps preserve service for key accounts. Capital investments in intermodal terminals and chassis pools will support the shift toward resilience.

Deeper analysis shows similar regional patterns; social feel and consumer buying in American markets support the shift toward rail and ocean. Additional non-tariffed trade corridors are driving continued growth, with investments (инвестиции) in infrastructure continuing into the next quarter. A beautiful balance of modes is emerging, with planning and a steady continuation of disciplined investments driving performance.

The continuation of this trend depends on meeting capacity requirements and maintaining flexibility across rail, truck, and ocean lanes, with mixed signals from labor markets and American buyers shaping the outlook. Driving this trend are consumer demand and continued capital planning. Non-tariffed process improvements and investments keep the intermodal network resilient and responsive.

Key Corridor Performance: Top Origin-Destination Pairs and Their Volumes

Target the top three origin-destination corridors for capacity alignment in June 2025 and monitor weekly volumes to prevent destocking shocks. The value lies in clear visibility of where freight moves, enabling planning to place fleets where they are most needed and support on-time delivery across key markets.

• saint-petersburg → hamburg (Germany) – 52,000 TEU; June vs May: +8% (trending); share: 22%; drivers: destocking push and pjsc scheduling improvements; planning and operator coordination will support next capacity blocks; junes data underlines value for resource placing and forward planning; covid-era slowed demand now recovering; shippingthe flows remain robust.
• saint-petersburg → rotterdam (Netherlands) – 46,000 TEU; May vs June: -3% (decline); share: 19%; drivers: softer demand in Western Europe and pockets of destocking; next steps: reinforce service frequency to offset lower demand and preserve reliability; digital dashboards help monitor the situation and guide cross-dock planning; could stabilize as markets rebound.
• saint-petersburg → helsinki – 40,000 TEU; May vs June: +5% (trending); share: 16%; drivers: steady cross-Baltic flows and improved port-to-rail handoffs; speaking with operators, service levels remain high; next actions: maintain cadence and monitor peak-loading periods; very tight coordination supports smooth transitions during destocking cycles.
• saint-petersburg → stockholm – 31,500 TEU; May vs June: +2% (trending); share: 13%; drivers: stronger inland connectivity and rail links; challenges: port congestion at both ends requires precise placing of slots; next steps: align slot allocations to minimize dwell times; glance at june data suggests continued resilience as markets normalize.
• saint-petersburg → warsaw – 28,000 TEU; May vs June: flat; share: 11%; drivers: inland demand in the CEE region remains supportive; planning and operator coordination keep volumes stable; назад, volumes were lower in previous year’s June; action: maintain stable service patterns and adjust inland legs to sustain momentum.

Finally, translate these corridor insights into a coordinated action plan: align PJSC and operator fleets around the top corridors, reinforce digital tracking, and implement targeted capacity placements to sustain momentum through junes. This approach helps manage challenges, supports destocking efforts, and maintains a steady cadence across the most valuable O-D pairs.

Pricing Dynamics: Spot Rates Versus Contract Rates and Implications for Shippers

Lock in longer-term contracts for 12 months to stabilize freight costs and guarantee capacity across core corridors, preserving value for their supply chains in transcontainer and eurasian flows.

In June 2025, pricing showed a dynamic split between spot and contract rates. Across major lanes, spot costs tended toward a premium relative to contracts on peak-demand segments, with higher volatility on orders that fluctuate. For transcontainer paths, spot rates averaged 1,100–1,150 USD per FEU, while contracted rates hovered near 980–1,020 USD, a delta of roughly 10–14%. In eurasian corridors, spot rates moved within a wider range due to issuance of new capacity, yielding a similar delta. Inflation remained a factor last month, with real cost swings largely captured by surcharges and labor costs, making a blended approach preferable. For abroad orders and last-mile legs, consider a dual-track plan to protect margins as the market remains volatile and volumes shift.

Adopt a blended pricing approach: fix core volumes under 12-month contracts for stable operating costs, and reserve a portion for spot to capture flexible demand on peak orders. Diversify lanes, including abroad routes, to spread risk. Build rate structures that combine base rates with surcharges tied to inflation and last-mile labor costs, and maintain flexibility to extend contract durations when the market tightens. Coordinate with OEMK orders and carrier partners to secure capacity on the biggest growth segments and ensure trucks are available for peak windows.

Monitor the моscow corridor capacity as part of the Eurasian route mix, aligning long-term commitments with current volumes.

For their businesses, the biggest gain comes from a disciplined blend: long-term contracts for baseline volumes, spot for spikes tied to OEMK orders, and diversified lanes to reduce dependence on a single corridor. Track labor costs and truck availability, especially during peak windows, and coordinate with carriers to minimize idle time. Inflation remains a factor, but real value is protected through effective rate hedging and capacity management across the sector.

Capacity and Throughput Signals: Equipment Availability, Yard Queues, and Terminal Throughput

What to do now: implement proactive capacity planning by aligning maintenance with yard and terminal schedules, and set a 95% equipment availability target for core lanes this year to reduce dwell and keep fluid throughput. Always base decisions on real-time signals to stay ahead of disruptions.

In the field, the June 2025 data show equipment availability averaged 92% across the top hubs, with seven facilities above 94% and three below 88% due to overdue maintenance. Set expectations with carriers and internal teams; prioritize preventive maintenance windows and pre-stage assets to keep this performance level and reduce unexpected downtime.

Yard queues averaged 22 trucks waiting per hour at key gateways, with peaks above 38 in late afternoon windows. This lack of buffer space requires aggressive planning: pre-stage containers, dynamic yard sequencing, and lockstep communication with trucking partners to maintain 90-minute dwell targets when volumes spike. When queues rise, the planning team must escalate resources quickly.

Terminal throughput reached about 3,100 teus per terminal per day, increased 7% year-over-year, up from 2,900 teus previously. This increase tied to higher import volumes and longer dwell. economic conditions support modest gains, but terminal teams must improve crane ramp rates and yard turnaround, with target to keep 95% of planned throughput and minimize interruptions.

Canada remains a critical link, with cross-border flows across seven corridors driving opportunities in employment and planning. This year, stakeholders are having to balance a conservative capex plan with the need to expand core capacity; when volumes declined, leadership should remain agile and preserve essential staffing to maintain service levels and avoid backlogs. The links between coastal hubs and inland terminals must be strengthened to deliver steady performance and support steel shipments that keep the domestic market active. In canada, closer collaboration with carriers and port authorities enhances network resilience.

To translate signals into action, operations managers rely on professionals who can translate field data into concrete actions. The court of trade benchmarks provides a clear yardstick to evaluate performance, and you can find actionable links in the weekly ops digest. In corridors that also carry passengers, maintenance windows must avoid peak passenger movements, ensuring freight can still move on schedule. The leader teams responsible for linehaul and terminal operations coordinate these actions to maintain reliability.

Outlook and Scenarios: Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Volume Projections

Recommendation: Build a three-horizon planning framework that anchors a steady baseline of 2.5% year-over-year volume growth for the next 12 months, with a defined downside of 1–2% if the macroeconomy softens. Center capacity investments on core intermodal corridors, keep available buffer capacity in key lanes, and ensure procurement and IT systems can adapt to another 5–6% shift in peak weeks. Align expectations with reported data and fix language across teams; this helps know what to do when priorities change. This baseline sets a clear path for decision-making across groups and the center of gravity of our network, leaving much headroom to adjust.

Short-term outlook (next 12 months): Base-case growth runs 2.5–3.0% year over year, with a slight taper in the summer and a rebound toward year-end. Volume concentration stays steady around the center hubs; available capacity supports a +0.7–1.2% quarterly uptick in peak months. Non-domiciled cargo on key corridors maintains momentum, and metalloinvest-related traffic will play a stabilizing role in steel shipments. Reported utilization improves gradually, and dashboard language remains consistent with the expectations of operations and commercial teams. A modest uptick in inland routing share is likely over traditional routes. Lessons from this period назад help calibrate risk buffers.

Medium-term outlook (1–3 years): Growth accelerates to roughly 3.0–4.5% annually as capacity expands–new centers and expanded intermodal lanes bring flows closer to inland populations. macroeconomy conditions stabilize, consumer demand strengthens, and the network expands to new center nodes in the west and south. Groups like metalloinvest deepen their engagement, creating deeper ties across corridors. We expect a relatively balanced mix between short-haul and long-haul lanes, with expanded capacity reducing dwell times and improving on-time performance. Reporting converges on a standard language that supports cross-region comparisons and non-domiciled demand signals, helping know where to deploy capacity first.

Long-term outlook (3–5+ years): Volume growth could run at 4–5% annually, driven by deeper network integration, automation in yards, and expanded inland centers that cut cycle times. Capex cycles and hub upgrades keep bottlenecks manageable, enabling steadier service levels even during peak seasons. The macroeconomy trends toward a higher trend growth path, and heavy-shipment groups such as metalloinvest forecast broader participation across corridors. The language of the outlook becomes more scenario-driven, with clear triggers for expanding or retracting capacity. Recap: maintain flexible capacity, secure long-term contracts, and monitor non-domiciled flows as leading indicators of structural demand, ensuring readiness for both upside and downside scenarios.